Many of Western Massachusett's precision manufacturing companies are contracted suppliers of precision mechanical components and sub-assemblies to major commercial manufacturers, aircraft engine builders, and military equipment contractors across the United States and internationally.

These companies, led by the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association (WMNTMA) perform highly critical, close tolerance work for the industry, using the latest technology, in machine tooling, processing capabilities, CNC machining, modeling and electronic data transfer of design.

As a regional cluster of aerospace and defense manufacturers, these companies are committed to maintaining and rebuilding the military's readiness and capability, while remaining poised to respond to surges in demand, by leveraging innovative technologies, large production capabilities, and a flexible work force.

Cost effective manufacturing solutions, a dedication to precision part and component quality, a committment to shorter lead times, and competitive pricing all keep the region's aerospace and defense manufacturing cluster a major player within the industry nation-wide. As value-added suppliers of precision, time-sensitive parts and sub-assemblies, this group maintains rigid quality standards at all phases of the manufacturing process.

Known as a "high technology precision manufacturing hot spot," Western Massachusetts boasts a large number of defense and aerospace contracted manufacturers that strive to conduct their business fairly, securely, ethically and transparently. Through organizations such as the WMNTMA, they are committed to leveraging their assets and capabilities to develop new collaborative business partnerships while supporting the growth and vitality of the industry.

Aerospace and Defense Industry Manufacturers

Advance Mfg. Co., Inc. is a 50 year old registered AS9100/ISO9001-2000 company with over 200 employees. They are leaders in precision machining specializing in highly critical, close tolerance work for aerospace, defense, and power generation industries. In-house special processes include make to print assemblies, navy certified welding and stress relieving, as well as level II MPI, FPI & LPI services.

Advance Weldingoffers the highest quality in welding, brazing, and fabricating services to the medical, military and defense, aerospace and power generation industries. Advance Welding is accredited with merit to the requirements of Nadcap for Fusion Welding, Resistance Welding (Spot) and Brazing (Torch and Induction), and their quality system is approved to AS9100 and ISO9001. Their metal joining expertise includes many types of welding (GTAW, GMAW, Micro-Welding, Resistance welding), and brazing on common and specialty metals.

A.J. Precision is a high precision machine shop serving the aerospace, defense, and commercial industries. They provide CNC Turning, as well as some CNC Milling, and can accommodate both small lots and larger production runs. They are very familiar in working with some of today's more challenging alloys. AJPrecision@verizon.net

Central Mass. Machine, Inc. is an ISO9001-2000 machine shop that specializes in the precision machining of large parts for the defense, power generation, aircraft, nuclear, photovoltaic, medical device, and commercial machinery industries. Central Mass. lifts up to 30,000 lbs., and has CNC full 5-axis milling, VTL's, Lathes, and Planers in very large capacities. Rstpierre@centralmassmachine.com

C & G Machine Tool Company is a high-precision machine shop serving the commercial and defense industries. They provide turning (CNC, manual, and live tooling), milling (CNC, manual, vertical, and horizontal), and assembly, as well as complete project management. Their Quality Control conforms with Mil-Std-45208 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1. Major customers include Emhart Glass, Millitech, Cooper/Crouse-Hinds, A.W. Chesterton, and Teledyne Continental Motors. C & G is proficient and tooled for both small and large lot sizes including providing for any necessary outside services. Omer-candgmachine@comcast.net

Hoppe Tool, Inc. is engaged in supplying precision mechanical components, and assemblies to the major defense contractors, commercial manufacturers, and aircraft engine builders. The 70 year old company has 35 state-of-the-art CNC machines, most of which include complete automation for lights-out lean operation. Hoppe Tool is financially solid with no

O-A, Inc is an AS9100 Registered manufacturer of precision machined components, and assemblies for a wide variety of aerospace applications. The company occupies a 37,000 sq. ft. facility that houses 21 pieces of CNC Machinery for 4-axis milling and turning, plus additional conventional machines for milling, turning, grinding, and flat lapping.

Peerless Precision, Inc. is a full service, one-stop high precision AS9100 and ISO9001 certified machine shop. Under one roof, the company provides grinding (JIG, ID, OD), assembly, lapping (round and flat), turning (CNC and manual), and milling (4 & 5-Axis CNC and manual), as well as complete project management. Although PPI primarily machines aluminum and steel, it also machines ferrous and non-ferrous metals, carbide, ceramic and engineered plastics.

Tell Tool, Inc.specializes in complex machining and assembly of aircraft engine and hydraulic components. They use state-of-the-art technology and machine Tools, 3-D modeling, and Quality Control to support the needs of the aerospace industry. Tell Tool's capabilities include highly engineered fuel control housing, actuator housings, and matched assemblies.

Western Massachusetts public schools offer a Machine Tool Technology Program for high school students in five districts. Upon completion, the students have obtained the skills required to set-up and operate manual and CNC equipment, interpret engineering drawings, and perform quality inspection processes.